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During my general rounds of piano shopping, I've come across a couple of pianos that had scratches in the black finish. One had fine scratches (cat) and the other had some deeper scratches primarily on the legs and side of the case.

Can a black gloss polyester finish be fixed without having to refinish the piano? If so, what is the approximate cost?

Hey Jolly- yes, polyester can be repaired, although it is more difficult than lacquer. Scratches that have not gone too deep can be buffed out with automotive rubbing compounds. I use Meguiar's brand #2, followed by #9, followed by their Cleaner/Wax. It is not always necessary to use them in that order, for example, a light scratch may buff out just using #9 or the Cleaner/Wax. Deeper damage must be filled with a poly repair kit. Very often, one manufacturer's black may not exactly match another's black (something that your poly guy should know). Cost here in Nashville is usually $75-$100 for 1 to 1 1/2 hour appointment...Sam

Would it be okay to use the Cleaner/Wax for an occasional polishing? Mike

Mike - no problem. There isnt much that can hurt polyester, so use the cleaner wax. Most automotive products will work great on poly. I just happen to use Meguiar's, but I have friends in the trade who use 3M. Depends on what you can easily obtain.......Sam

I know what you mean. I've got a Vette, and I always have the detail guy do it. Dumb, I guess. I don't have any qualms about doing a high end piano with Meguiar's, but I won't do my car with it (or anything else)...

I use a heavy duty Milwaukee buffer (from Grainger, about $300), but I need a commercial duty machine. For occasional use, you might get away with a WalMart Black and Decker, but I cant promise that. For the final polish, I love foam pads. No swirl marks, they do a great job. Prior to final finish, I use wool buffer pads, no particular brand........Sam